Satsangs

Satsang is a compound Sanskrit word that means “keeping the company of the Self.” The Self, Awareness, is the true nature of everyone and one keeps company with it by continually meditating on it in many ways. One of the most effective methods involves discussing non-dual teachings with someone who has realized his or her identity as the Self, to get clarity with reference to Self inquiry. The satsangs posted here are the questions of many people around the world who are interested in enlightenment and find that Vedanta is their preferred means of Self knowledge. Since I am a teacher of Vedanta, a time tested means of self inquiry, I am qualified to reply to these questions.~James Swartz

ShiningWorld Reader

Sam:
What is the difference between and attribute and the nature of
something?

Sundari:
The nature of something is different from the attributes of
something. People often confuse the two. The nature is
the essential essence, something that is intrinsic to or inherent in
something and cannot be removed, without which a thing could not be a
thing. An attribute is a property, which may or may
not be essential to the nature of a thing. The nature of
something is the non-negotiable or unchanging variable, whereas a
property is usually a changing variable, like the nature of sugar is
sweetness. If you take sweetness away, sugar is no longer
sugar. Or the nature fire is heat. If you take heat away,
fire is no longer fire. Thus the nature of
the self, awareness, or consciousness,
is parama prema svarupa. Parama means “limitless”; svarupa means “nature” and prema is“ the
love the makes love possible.”

Contacting Shining World

For years I have happily and diligently responded to communications on the topic of Self realization. Since the publication of my book, “How to Attain Enlightenment”— currently in its third printing —and the success of this website, the volume of emails has increased considerably. Unfortunately, owing to a busy schedule of teaching and writing, I am no longer able to answer all the emails I receive in a timely fashion. However, my wife, who is also a teacher, and several well-qualified teachers we have endorsed are available to answer emails on my behalf. I encourage you to send them your questions.
— James SwartzContact Us